Tramlines has been bringing together musicians, artists, promoters and music lovers since it was born in 2009. Attracting thousands of people into Sheffield every summer, it has grown and grown. Its philosophy seems to be wherever it's possible to play music let it be played. And with that in mind the city is always full to the brim with stuff to see, discover and enjoy. All for free. Incredible.

This year Tramlines has a remarkable lineup that might just make its best year yet. It's not just all happening on the Devonshire Green; there's the Folk Forest in Endcliffe Park, where you can chill out and relax. The Busker's Bus is always fun too, taking you all around the city with different acts and bands performing onboard.

As always Toddla T will keep us dancing till the early hours on the Saturday night. Then 65daysofstatic will be headlining the New Music Stage on the Sunday. Plus the city's pop group The Crookes will be there. If you're getting there a day early the mighty Mr Scruff will be starting the party The Leadmill on Thursday.

Aside from the music the festival are also screening the world premier of ZEBRA FACE - a series of short animated films, which bring to life a bombastic stripy horse and his insulin dependent sidekick in a hip-hop infused 2D adventure from the Sheffield artist Kid Acne.

Did I forget to mention Tramlines also has it's own ale?

Here's an interactive poster and a few of my picks from each day, along with links to listen to, watch and read about, of the amazing talent coming to Sheffield from Thursday 19 July all the way through to Sunday 22 July.

Alt-J Friday night, The Bowery

If you haven't heard of the Cambridge four-piece Alt-J, then where have you been? They're making beautiful, quirky and cinematic music, which everyone is raving about. They only appeared last year and are now dominating radio stations all over the place. The debut LP 'An Awesome Wave' blends folk with electronica and majestic sounds to create something rich and brilliantly put together. They've even been compared to the legendary Radiohead.

Hold the alt key on a Mac and press J then you'll see get where the name came from.

Anyway, read this review of Alt-J live to see what a treat it'll be to see them live.

See Emily Play with the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra Friday night, Library Theatre

At this year's See Emily Play will grace the stage in the beautiful Library Theatre with the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra. Emily explores alt-pop to bring a dark, dramatic and powerful sound to the forefront of each song that makes her live performances stunning. With the added force of a live orchestra this is definitely one to go and see.

When Oxo Foxo performs live she mixes and loops everything all together there and then. Plus she can also play pretty much every instrument out there. Her voice is beautiful and seeing her headline the Cathedral will be delightful. Oxo Foxo guarantees this gig will be an "extra dreamy choral extravaganza to celebrate." So go pull up a pew.

Swindle Friday night, The Plug

Swindle is a UK grime producer making some pretty amazing mixes. He has released on several labels including Planet Mu and Butterz, his most successful song so far has been Airmiles. But he's worked with Sheffield's Toddla T and released a pretty top notch video too. He started learning the piano when he was eight years old and now he's working on his debut album and has his own production company. If you're into your grime then he's the man to bring it to you.

Blue Lip Feel Saturday afternoon, Main Stage

Blue Lip Feel earned their place to open the main stage on the Saturday of Tramlines after winning the People's Choice Award. They'll bring you the sound of pop rock and the 70s with their influences of Thin Lizzy and the Rolling Stones coming through.

Toddla T Sound Saturday night, The Octagon

When people think of today's Sheffield music scene, Toddla T always gets a mention. Now he's in the mainstream and has his show on Radio 1 Extra everyone outside of the city knows his name. But there's no doubt he'll bring us something special during this homecoming gig. Also playing at The Octagon until the early hours of the morning are Benga, Jackmater and Melé.

Wet Nuns Saturday night, DQ

If you prefer something a little heavier then you need to get a dose of the Wet Nuns. Rob and Alexis are very loudly making a lo-fi blues-stoner-punk sound in the city. DQ is sure to be packed with people rocking their heads back and forth. Plus if you like songs about women, death, beards, skulls and whiskey then this is for you.

Spector Friday night, Leadmill

Shortlisted for this year's BBC's Sound of 2012, these guys are sure to bring an amazing show to Sheffield. Especially after being compared to Pulp for their melancholic pop. They were inspired by The Strokes in the early 2000s and there's a slight hint of the White Lies in there. The sharp looking five-piece from London are proving guitar bands are not dead.

This year they've enjoyed touring with Florence + The Machine, recorded their debut album and there performance at the legendary Leadmill will top it all off.

Hey Sholay, Saturday afternoon, Main Stage

They crawled out of the suburbs of the steel city and this year Hey Sholay will be on the Main Stage on Saturday afternoon to join an incredible lineup. Their name's inspired by the stars as 'Sholay' according to the band is "'little embers/flames of the sun". How lovely. They've got a few surprises up their sleeves for the festival and after you hear their new single 'Burning' it'll be in your head all weekend.

Screaming Maldini Sunday, SOYO Live

Here's a Sheffield band that's bringing you're the poppiest, most energetic sound you will have heard in a while. This band blend trumpets, organs, strings, glockenspiels, guitars, drums, percussion, bass, and piano together to orchestrate epic pop hooks and choruses. Their latest record is overflowing with beautiful yet hyper and over the top melodies.